Derrickson memorial scholarships awarded for 2021

In this season of gratefulness, it seems appropriate to remind the community about the Geoff & Ken Derrickson Memorial Scholarship, which assists first responders and their family members with postsecondary education expenses. Now in its fourth year, the scholarship was established by Betsy Baumeister and Bob Derrickson to honor the lives of their sons Ken and Geoff Derrickson, twin brothers who died separately at young ages.

Baumeister and Derrickson have never forgotten the support and care that their family received from Rehoboth's first responders, and they established the scholarship as a thank you to assist local first responders.

The 2021 recipients are Claire Sullivan and Jaden Hewes. Sulllivan received a $5,000 award; she is studying criminal justice at the University of Delaware. Hewes received a $2,500 award. He is studying business management at Weber State University in Ogden, Utah.

This spring, up to $10,000 in scholarship aid will be awarded to one or more recipients. Members of the Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Department or City of Rehoboth Beach Police Department and their dependents are eligible.

Eligibility also is open to fire department junior members and seasonal police cadets. To obtain applications, go to rehobothbeachfire.com or through local high school counselors. Applications for 2022 scholarships are due by Thursday, April 14.

Teens ages 15-18 who are interested in becoming junior members of the Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company may apply at rehobothbeachfire.com. The City of Rehoboth Beach currently is hiring seasonal cadets for the 2022 summer season. For more information and applications, go to cityofrehobothbeach.com.

“The scholarship trust was created to show appreciation to our local first responders, who are always there for all of us,” said Baumeister. “We are happy to have helped the members and families of the Rehoboth fire department and Rehoboth Beach Police Department further their education.”

For more information or to donate to the Geoff and Ken Derrickson Memorial Scholarship Foundation, contact RBVFC Derrickson Scholarship, P.O. Box 327, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 or email scholarship@rehobothbeachfire.com.